Method and apparatus for waste evacuation

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for waste evacuation using an extendible and retractable hose for transferring the waste have been described.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Serial No. 60/422,406 filed Oct. 29, 2002 titled “Method andApparatus for Waste Evacuation”, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. This patent application is related to a co-pendingapplication Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 24, 2003 titled “WasteEvacuation System for a Vehicle” by the same inventor as thisapplication and assigned to the same assignee.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention pertains to waste evacuation. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor implementing waste evacuation from a mobile vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Most mobile vehicles (hereinafter referred to sometimes asRecreational Vehicles (RVs)) today have the ability to be connected toground connections, electric power, water, sewer, cable TV, telephone,etc. An unpleasant task is interfacing the sewer connections. Thestandard accepted practice is to manually remove a sewer hose from astorage compartment, connect it to the RV then stretch the hose end to aconnection where the hose is inserted into a hole or a fitting that isconnected to a container for receiving the sewage.

[0004] This approach may be very unsanitary and unpleasant as well as aninvitation to a disaster, i.e. hose coming loose, connection failure,valve breaking, etc. which may result in the user getting wet, thecampground becoming contaminated, and embarrassment for all. Thispresents a problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which likereferences indicate similar elements and in which:

[0006]FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 illustrate views of one embodiment of theinvention with a flapper door in a closed and locked position and aposition in which it may open;

[0007]FIG. 3 is a comparison of a standard approach with that of oneembodiment of the invention;

[0008]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing anaccess panel;

[0009]FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 illustrate embodiments of a hose nozzle;

[0010]FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 show various embodiments of anenclosure, and hose nozzle;

[0011]FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 illustrate various embodiments ofthe invention showing different arrangements;

[0012]FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing asystem control panel and an inside monitor panel;

[0013]FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing a RVand the access panel;

[0014]FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21,FIG. 22, and FIG. 23 show various embodiments of the invention hosenozzle;

[0015]FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG. 27 show various embodiments ofhose arrangements of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 28 shows an embodiment of the invention with a valve handleon the side;

[0017]FIG. 29 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing asource of pressure and/or vacuum;

[0018]FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35, and FIG. 36,illustrate various embodiments of the invention;

[0019]FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in blockschematic form;

[0020]FIG. 38, FIG. 39, and FIG. 40 illustrate other embodiments of theinvention; and

[0021]FIG. 41 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A method and apparatus for waste evacuation are described.

[0023] The invention in one embodiment may help eliminate some problemsassociated with transferring waste from a RV to a ground waste facility.Components are arranged in a special enclosure, for example a servicebay, located under the living floor of the RV. The sewer hose isconnected to the RV and stored in a separate tube or area isolated fromother components. A special hose nozzle is attached to the other end ofthe hose. The user opens a small door, lifts the nozzle by a handle, andpulls the hose nozzle to the ground connection, inserts the nozzle andreleases a nozzle flap door inside. By pushing a couple of buttons, orpulling a waste valve handle, the waste is transferred from the RVholding tanks to the ground service. When completed the hose nozzle flapdoor is secured, the nozzle lifted out of the ground connection and thehose is retracted back into its storage tube.

[0024] One skilled in the art will appreciate that such an embodiment asdescribed above has several features, such as, simplicity of connectingto ground facilities, the sewer hose may be connected to the RV at alltimes, a sewer hose may retract and expand linearly (i.e. a linear reel)and that no additional fittings or handling of fittings may be neededwhile expanding the hose to and contracting the hose from a groundconnection. The hose may be expanded by air pressure and contracted byvacuum, and may allow for easier emptying of the holding tanks. Thesewer hose may also be extended and retracted in a manual fashion. Thesefeatures may also help eliminate a negative user attitude because theydo not need to come into direct contact with contaminated components,and the approach is viewed as more sanitary.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the component arrangement maydiffer from the traditional RV in that the valves for dumping the wastetanks are usually located on the left (driver's) side of the coachmaking it easier for the customer to operate the valves when dumpingwaste. The invention may have electric waste valves located on the right(passenger) side of the RV. The switches to operate the valves may belocated on the left (driver's) side of the RV. This could also be doneusing manual pull valves, however the user may not be able to view thesewer inlet which could cause the area to be flooded should the sewerback up. The user should keep the sewer inlet in line of sight duringthe waste evacuation process. Having the switches that operate thevalves located on the left (driver's) side of the RV allows the sewerhose in its contracted state to be contained in a tube or isolated areaextending to the right (passenger's) side. Attached to the extendiblehose end is a valve fitting (hose nozzle) with a handle. The user liftsthe hose nozzle using the handle and stretches the hose to the sewerinlet ground connection and places the hose nozzle in contact with thehole. The user then releases the valve latch opening the valve, whichmay be located internally in the hose nozzle, thus allowing the waste toflow from the RV to the ground receptacle when the waste valve isopened. When the user has completed emptying the waste tanks they closethe hose nozzle valve, lift it out of the ground receptacle, and retractthe hose and hose nozzle back to its home position. This approach totransferring waste from the RV to the ground receptacle allows a gravityfeed system incorporated in most RVs to work while making it anuneventful task for the user.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention a sewer hose nozzle is used tohook up and disconnect a sewer hose from a Recreation Vehicle and may beused for connecting the hose fitting to a ground sewer inlet or port.The sewer hose nozzle helps eliminate the potential for spillage becausethe nozzle has a technique for stopping residual wastewater fromspilling when the nozzle is lifted out of the ground sewer inlet orport. The sewer hose nozzle has a handle to help eliminate the user fromhaving to hold the fittings making the operation much more sanitary.Furthermore, the nozzle is attached to the sewer hose in such a way asto prevent leakage between the hose and nozzle. The handle is used topull the hose and retract it helping to eliminate the need to handle thehose or other connections making the task of draining the sewage from anRV much less stressful for the user. The hose nozzle may also preventany residual odor from escaping from the hose causing furtherembarrassment to the user.

[0027]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention. Nozzle 101 hasa connection end 102 that may be connected to a hose, for example, asewer hose that is corrugated and thus collapsible and expandable inlength. Other hoses may also be used for this purpose. 104 is a flapperdoor or valve gate that is operated by a handle 110 that is connectedvia hinge means 114 to a shaft 108 that is in contact 120 with a part ofthe valve door 104 to prevent or allow its opening. 106 is an outletthat may be fitted to a tank, portal, etc. Outlet fitting 106 may bestepped as shown to fit various size openings. Outlet fitting 106 mayalso have a splash guard. As shown in FIG. 1, the flapper door 104 is ina closed and locked (by 108) position.

[0028]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the invention. Here thehandle 210 is in a raised position and shaft 208 is raised so that gap220 allows flapper 204 to open and allow a flow from region 202 to 206.

[0029]FIG. 3 illustrates what may be considered a standard approach towaste evacuation contrasting it with one embodiment of the inventionapproach. As will be noted, there are fewer operations.

[0030]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the invention. 400 is anaccess panel. 402 is a housing and cover for the nozzle 404, and 406 isa mechanism for extending and retracting a hose, for example, a sewerhose.

[0031]FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 500. There is arelease mechanism 502 for a handle 510. Nozzle 508 may have variousshapes, such as a taper, to fit a tank or portal. Connection 504connects to a hose, for example, a sewer hose. 504 and 506 areconstructed such that they may rotate, pivot, swivel, etc.

[0032]FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle showing thehandle 610 in an open position for allowing flow from a hose attached at604 to a destination in contact with the nozzle adapter 608.

[0033] One of skill in the art will understand that there are manypossible variations of a handle, such as that shown in FIG. 6 at 610.For example, a handle performing the same function as 610 (opening andclosing a valve among other things) in FIG. 6 may be located on the sideof the hose nozzle body. For example, FIG. 28 shows a handle on the sideof the hose nozzle body.

[0034]FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an enclosure 700 for a hosenozzle.

[0035]FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of an enclosure 800 for a hosenozzle 820 showing how the hose nozzle 820 may be situated within theenclosure 800.

[0036]FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a mechanical interlockbetween an enclosure 900 and a nozzle 910. The top edge 930 of theenclosure 900 will not allow the nozzle 910 to be fully inserted if thehandle 920 is in the open position. In this way, the nozzle valve may beassured to be closed if the nozzle is fully within the enclosure 900.

[0037] One of skill in the art will understand that there are manypossible variations of a handle, and a mechanical interlock systempossible. For example, a handle performing the same function as 920 inFIG. 9 may be located on the side of the body 910. For example, FIG. 28shows a handle on the side of the hose nozzle body.

[0038]FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the invention. Two tanks orcontainers 1002 and 1004 are shown. Here, on the passenger side of a RVare located valves 1006 and 1008 feeding into a plumbing system 1010 and1012 respectively that join to a single hose 1014 which traverses acrossthe tanks and emerges on another side, for example, the driver's sidewhere it terminates in a nozzle 1016. By placing the valves on one sideof a vehicle and the nozzle on another, a hose, such as 1014 may be acollapsible or extendible hose and thus in a closed or compacted formfit within the width of a vehicle and when extended may go to a portalsome distance away from the vehicle.

[0039] Note that in an RV the tanks such as those illustrated at 1002and 1004 are often used to hold what is referred to as black and gray(or grey) water. Thus the tank holding the black water is often referredto as a black tank and the tank holding the gray water is often referredto as a gray tank. Black water is considered sewage from such sources asa toilet, etc. Gray water is considered sewage from such sources assinks, showers, etc. 1018 and 1020 represent input/output ports for thetanks 1002 and 1004 respectively. These allow water to flow in and gasesto flow out. For example, if 1004 is used to hold black water, 1020 maybe connected to a toilet assembly consisting of a toilet, a U-trap, anda sewer gas venting pipe which allows any gases generated fromdecomposing waste in tank 1004 to vent out the top of the vehicle.

[0040] While FIG. 10 illustrates the tanks connecting to a common singlehose 1014, the present invention is not so limited. That is, each tank(such as 1002 and 1004) may have its own hose for waste evacuation.

[0041]FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the invention. Two tanks orcontainers 1106 and 1108 are shown. Here, on the driver side of a RV isthe nozzle 1102 shown being extended from, for example, a collapsiblehose 1104. While the hose 1104 is shown extending from a linear “reel”,other embodiments are also possible, such as a semi-circular shape. Notethat any shape that allows the hose to be attached at the passenger sideand extend from the driver side would work. It would be possible, forexample, to place the waste valves on the driver's side of the RV if amechanism was used to allow the hose to extend from the side of the RVfirst and the connection on the other end of the hose having slid to thedriver's side allowed interfacing with the outlet of the valves.

[0042]FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of the invention where from thepassenger side the hose 1202 takes a route around a tank 1204 to thenozzle 1206. The hose may take other routes as well, for example,over/under tanks, etc.

[0043]FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing asystem control panel and an inside monitor panel. Monitor status 1302shows the state of various entities, a monitor indicator light (shownon), and water pump. 1304 illustrates service utilities and theirstatus, and 1306 indicates status of tanks and additives. An insidemonitor control panel 1308 has status of various entities. The controlpanel (1302, 1304, and 1306) may be located in a variety of places; onesuch place may be the side of a RV. The inside monitor panel 1308 may beplaced inside the coach of a RV.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the collapsible hose may beattached to a mechanism for extending and retracting the hose. One suchway to expand and contract the hose is to apply increased or decreasedpressure to the inside of the hose. For example, a higher pressureinside the collapsible (extendible) hose as compared to the outsideatmospheric pressure will cause the hose to expand or increase inlength. Likewise a lower pressure in the collapsible (extendible) hosethan the outside atmospheric pressure, will, if the hose is constructedproperly, allow it to contract in length (i.e. retract) rather thanhaving the walls of the hose collapse. Thus a source of increased airpressure or reduced air pressure in communication with the hose maycause the hose to expand or contract.

[0045]FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of the invention, showing a RV1402 from the driver side, illustrating an access panel 1404 that mayhouse controls, the nozzle, etc. The access panel may be located on theside as illustrated but other embodiments are also possible. Forexample, the access panel or door may swing downward from theundercarriage of a vehicle.

[0046]FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 1500. Thenozzle 1500 connects to a hose, for example, a sewer hose at 1504through a rigid connection (1506). In this embodiment, the nozzle 1500is attached to a hose so that any tilting, rotation, and pivoting isthat which is allowed by the flexibility of the hose.

[0047]FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 1600. Thenozzle 1600 connects to a hose, for example, a sewer hose at 1604through a swivel connection 1606. In this embodiment, the nozzle 1600may rotate as indicated 1608 with respect to a hose connected at 1604.

[0048]FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 1700. Thenozzle 1700 connects to a hose, for example, a sewer hose at 1704through a pivoting connection 1706. In this embodiment, the nozzle 1700may pivot or tilt as indicated 1708 with respect to a hose connected at1704.

[0049]FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 1800. Thenozzle 1800 connects to a hose, for example, a sewer hose at 1804through a pivoting connection 1806. In this embodiment, the nozzle 1800may pivot or swing side to side as indicated 1808 with respect to a hoseconnected at 1804.

[0050]FIG. 19 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 1900. Thenozzle 1900 connects to a hose, for example, a sewer hose at 1904through a ball joint type connection 1906. In this embodiment, thenozzle 1900 may pivot, swing, tilt, and/or rotate as indicated 1908 withrespect to a hose connected at 1904.

[0051]FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 2000. Nozzlefitting 2008 has a taper type shape to fit a tank or portal opening.

[0052]FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 2100. Nozzlefitting 2108 is a screw type for connection to a tank, portal, orreceptacle. Note that as shown 2108 is a tapered screw, however, otherembodiments may have a straight screw connection. Also it is to beunderstood that the screw pitch may be at a higher angle, that there maybe multiple threads, and that the screw may be either an external threadlike a bolt (male), or an internal thread like a nut (female).Additionally, the treading mechanism may be firmly attached to the hosenozzle 2100 or may be freely rotatable via a captive type mechanism sothat a user may easily rotate the nozzle fitting 2108 to make aconnection.

[0053]FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 2200. Nozzlefitting 2208 is a bayonet type connection for connecting to a tank,portal, or receptacle. Note that as shown 2208 is a tapered bayonet,however, other embodiments may have a straight bayonet connection. Alsoit is to be understood that the bayonet may consist of more than two“pins.” For example, in one embodiment, a bayonet may consist of anarrangement of 4 pins. While FIG. 22 shows a male bayonet connection, Itis to be understood that the bayonet connection on the nozzle 2200 mayconsist of the female part of the bayonet connection.

[0054]FIG. 23 illustrates one embodiment of a hose nozzle 2300. Nozzlefitting 2308 has an expandable ring or collar 2308 that may seal forminga connection to a tank, portal, or receptacle. This expanding collar maybe, but is not limited to, an air bladder, a mechanical bladder, anexpanding ring, etc. For example, the collar 2308 when in a compressedor released state has a diameter smaller than when it is inflated orexpanded. In the released state it may be inserted into, for example, acircular pipe. The collar 2308 may then be expanded to form asubstantially solid seal with the circular pipe. Such a connection mayprevent fluids from splashing back, for example, onto the handle of thenozzle. The bladder or expandable collar or ring may be activated by amechanical means, air means, electrical means, etc. For example amechanical means may operate much like bottle stoppers that use a leverto compress a rubber-like ring against the sides of a wine bottle.Alternatively, the sealing mechanism (the ring or collar) may operateusing isotropic elasticity, i.e. making use of Poisson's ratio.

[0055]FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment 2400 of the invention. 2401 isa top view of a vehicle. 2402 is an expandable hose shown in a retractedstate. One end of the hose is permanently connected at 2404 to, forexample, waste tanks located on the vehicle 2401. The other end of theexpandable hose 2406 may be extended in the direction 2410. Not shown inFIG. 24 is a guiding channel, or housing surrounding the hose, that maybe present.

[0056]FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment 2500 of the invention. 2501 isa top view of a vehicle. 2502 is an expandable hose shown in a retractedstate. One end of the hose is fixedly connected at 2504 to, for example,waste tanks located on the vehicle 2501. The other end of the expandablehose 2506 may be extended in the direction 2510. 2512 is a housing inwhich the hose 2502 may freely expand and contract. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 25 it will be noted that the fixed end of the hose and theend which can be extended are both located on the same side of thevehicle.

[0057]FIG. 26 illustrates one embodiment 2600 of the invention. 2601 isa top view of a vehicle. 2602 is an expandable hose shown in a partiallyextended state. One end of the hose is always connected at 2604 to, forexample, waste tanks located on the vehicle 2601. The other end of theexpandable hose 2606 is shown extended in the direction 2610. 2612 is ahousing in which the hose 2602 may freely expand and contract. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 26 it will be noted that the end of the hosewhich can be extended is at an angle 90 degrees from the fixed end(2604), and as illustrated exits from the back (or front) of thevehicle. Other variations, such as a diagonal routing of the hose (rightrear to left front), etc., will be understood as possible by one ofskill in the art.

[0058]FIG. 27 illustrates one embodiment 2700 of the invention. 2701 isa top view of a vehicle. 2702 is an expandable hose shown in a partiallyextended state. One end of the hose is permanently attached at 2704 to,for example, a connection to valves which then connect to waste tankslocated on the vehicle 2701. The other end of the expandable hose 2706may be extended in the direction 2710. 2712 is a housing in which thehose 2702 may freely expand and contract. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 27 it will be noted that the hose is arranged in a serpentinepattern. This may allow the end of the hose 2706 to extend further as ahose 2702 of longer length may be stored as compared with one thatdirectly crosses the vehicle 2701. One skilled in the art will recognizethat other arrangements of the hose layout may also be made, such as,for example, a U-shaped pattern, etc. Additionally, the housing 2712 mayextend beyond the sides of the vehicle 2701 as shown in FIG. 27. Thehousing 2712 may also attach anywhere along the path of the hose 2702,extending, for example, all the way to the fixed connection point at2704.

[0059]FIG. 28 illustrates one embodiment of the invention where a valvehandle 2804 is located on the side of the hose nozzle body 2802.

[0060] For ease of operation of a mechanism for extending and retractinga hose, a remote control may be used in one embodiment. For example, awireless remote control may be used to control a pump which creates apressure for extending the hose and a vacuum for retracting the hose.Such a remote control may be conveniently placed on a hose nozzle body,for example, in FIG. 28 is may be placed at the location indicated at2806. In this way the user may extend and retract the hose while holdingon to the nozzle. In other embodiments the remote control may be wiredrather than wireless.

[0061] Additionally the remote control may operate the opening andclosing of waste gate valves, flushing valve, and other valves, etc. Inthis way, the remote control may be used for controlling the evacuationof waste from a single control location.

[0062]FIG. 29 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showing asource of pressure and/or vacuum. Two tanks or containers 2902 and 2904are shown. Here, on the passenger side of a RV are located valves 2906and 2908 feeding into a plumbing system 2910 and 2912 respectively thatjoin to a single hose 2914 which traverses across the tanks and emergeson another side, for example, the driver's side where it terminates in anozzle 2916. By placing the valves on one side of a vehicle and thenozzle on another, a hose, such as 2914 may be a collapsible orextendible hose and thus in a closed or compacted form fit within thewidth of a vehicle and when extended may go to a portal some distanceaway from the vehicle. Also shown in FIG. 29 is a source of air pressureand/or a vacuum 2920. This source of air pressure and/or vacuum 2920 isin communication with 2910, 2912, 2914, and 2916 via a tube 2922. In oneembodiment of the invention air pressure supplied by 2920 iscommunicated through 2922 supplying increased air pressure to 2910,2912, and 2914 resulting in 2914 and the nozzle at 2916 extendingoutward from the vehicle. If 2920 creates a decrease in air pressure ora vacuum this is communicated to 2910, 2912, and 2914 via 2922 and thisresults in nozzle 2916 and the hose 2914 if already extended from thevehicle being retracted toward the vehicle. The source of the airpressure and/or vacuum 2920 may be conveniently located anywhere on thevehicle or supplied by connection to an external source, and the tubing2922 may connect at any point along 2910, 2912, and 2914. The source ofthe air pressure and/or vacuum 2920 may be implemented in a variety ofways and no limitation in these implementations is implied by FIG. 29.For example 2920 may consist of an air compressor, valves, an airamplifier, and other associated devices which are capable of creatingand supplying air pressure and/or a vacuum.

[0063]FIG. 30 illustrates one embodiment of the invention showingventing tubes. Two tanks or containers 3006 and 3008 are shown. Here, onthe driver side of a RV is the nozzle 3002 shown being extended from,for example, a collapsible hose 3004 which has increase air pressuresupplied by unit 3020 and communicated via tube 3022. Venting tube 3026is in communication with tank 3006 and venting tube is in communicationwith 3008. The venting tubes are useful or directing gasses that mayform in the tanks upward into the atmosphere. These tubes which shownstraight may also be curved and routed around other objects. The ventingtubes are generally routed so as to exit near the top of a vehicle.Venting tube 3030 is in communication with 3004, and a valve 3032. Valve3032 also is in communication with venting tube 3034. Valve 3032controls whether gas entering 3030 is allowed to pass to venting tubesection 3034. Valve 3032 is needed because, for example, when unit 3020supplies via 3022 increased air pressure 3032 needs to be closed so thatthe increased air pressure goes through 3004 and thereby extends nozzle3002. If valve 3032 were not closed but open then the increased theirpressure supplied by 3020 communicated by 3022 would simply go through3030, pass through the open valve 3032, the venting tube 3034, and go tothe atmosphere. If the valve is open then the amount of increased theirpressure to 3004 to extend the nozzle 3002 would be greatly decreased.Likewise when unit 3020 is creating a vacuum or decrease in air pressurecommunicated through 3022 to 3004 and retracting the nozzle 3002, valve3032 needs to be closed so that the vacuum or decrease in pressure isnot defeated by air flowing into 3034, through an open valve 3032,through 3030 back through 3022, and to the unit creating a vacuum 3020.When the hose 3004 and nozzle 3002 are retracted into the vehicle and nolonger need to be extended or retracted the gases that may form in 3004may be vented by having valve 3032 open. In this way gas will flowthrough 3030, through the open valve 3032, to the venting tube 3034 andinto the atmosphere.

[0064] While the details of valve 3032 are not critical to theunderstanding of the invention, in practice, valve 3032 will likely bean electrically operated valve, for example, an electrically operatedgate valve, a small ball valve, etc. This may be the same type of valveas shown in FIG. 29 as valves 2906 and 2908. The operation and controlof the valve 3032 may be combined with the control and operation ofextending and retracting the nozzle. For example, if the user goes toextend the nozzle valve, 3032 may close automatically, likewise when theuser goes to retract the nozzle valve 3032 may also close. The controlof valve 3032 may be in response to extension or retraction of thenozzle and/or in combination with increased air pressure and/or a vacuumgenerated by unit 3020.

[0065]FIG. 31 illustrates one embodiment of the invention called WasteMaster 1 (WM1). At 3102 is a male connector that may come from one ofthe valves which is connected to a waste tank, for example, a blackwater tank or grey water tank. That is, connection 3102 may represent,for example, referring to FIG. 10 a connection such as 1010 or 1012.Fitting 3104 is a female adapter which connects the male adapter 3102 to3106 which is a rigid hose sheath the rigid hose sheath is used forguiding the flexible sewer hose illustrated at 3112. In this embodimentthere is a nozzle box 3108 which houses the hose nozzle 3114 and has anoptional door 3110. In operation when flexible sewer hose 3112 is in aretracted state the hose nozzle 3114 is within the nozzle box 3108. Aspreviously described the flexible sewer hose 3112 allows the hose nozzle3114 to be extended from the nozzle box 3108 and retracted back into thenozzle box 3108.

[0066]FIG. 32 illustrates one embodiment of the invention called WasteMaster 2 (WM2). At 3202 is a male connector which may come from one ofthe valves which is connected to a waste tank, for example, a blackwater tank, or a grey water tank. That is, connection 3202 mayrepresent, for example, referring to FIG. 10 a connection such as 1010or 1012. Fitting 3204 is a female adapter which connects the maleadapter 3202 to 3206 which is a rigid hose sheath the rigid hose sheathis used for guiding the flexible sewer hose illustrated at 3212. Thisrigid sheath 3206 may represent, for example, referring to FIG. 27 thehousing 2712 which guides the flexible hose 2702. In this embodimentthere is a nozzle box 3208 which houses the hose nozzle 3214 and has anoptional door 3210. In operation when flexible sewer hose 3212 is in aretracted state the hose nozzle 3214 is within the nozzle box 3208. Aspreviously described the flexible sewer hose 3212 allows the hose nozzle3214 to be extended from the nozzle box 3208 and retracted back into thenozzle box 3208. In this embodiment, the extension and retraction of thehose nozzle 3214 and flexible sewer hose 3212 is accomplished by anassisting mechanism. Connected to the male at 3202 is a tube 3225 whichis in communication with the extend/retract module 3224. In this way apressure and/or a vacuum created by 3224 may be communicated throughtube 3225 which is connected to male 3202 and such increase or decreasein air pressure will be communicated to the flexible sewer hose 3212 andthus extend and/or retract hose nozzle 3214. The extend/retract module3224 in this embodiment is connected via tube 3223 to a ball valve 3222which is connected by tube 3221 to an air in source 3220. This air insource 3220 may be, for example, an air compressor, a storage tank ofcompressed air, etc. The compressed air may be supplied by an on-vehicledevice or may be from an outside source, such as a compressed airconnection to a pump at a waste station. Compressed air, as is wellknown, may be used to create a vacuum through what is called a Venturitube. There are other approaches to creating a vacuum however, what isto be understood is that the extend/retract module 3224 may have avariety of components within it. For example, after the hose nozzle 3214has been extended, liquid waste may be flowing through the male section3202, the flexible sewer hose 3212, and out the nozzle at 3214 thus theextend/retract module 3224 is most likely to have a valve which shutsoff communication with tube 3225 so that such waste does not enter theextend/retract module 3224.

[0067]FIG. 33 illustrates one embodiment of the invention called WasteMaster 3 (WM3). At 3302 is a male connector which may come from one ofthe valves which is connected to a waste tank, for example, a blackwater tank, or a grey water tank. That is, connection 3302 mayrepresent, for example, referring to FIG. 10 a connection such asconnecting to 1010 or 1012. Fitting 3304 is a female adapter whichconnects the male adapter 3302 to 3306 which is a rigid hose sheath therigid hose sheath is used for guiding the flexible sewer hoseillustrated at 3312. This rigid sheath 3306 may represent, for example,referring to FIG. 27 the housing 2712 which guides the flexible hose2702. In this embodiment there is a nozzle box 3308 which houses thehose nozzle 3314 and has an optional door 3310. In operation whenflexible sewer hose 3312 is in a retracted state the hose nozzle 3314 iswithin the nozzle box 3308. As previously described the flexible sewerhose 3312 allows the hose nozzle 3314 to be extended from the nozzle box3308 and retracted back into the nozzle box 3308. In this embodiment,the extension and retraction of the hose nozzle 3314 and flexible sewerhose 3312 is accomplished by an assisting mechanism. Connected to themale at 3302 is a tube 3325 which is in communication with theextend/retract module 3324. In this way a pressure and/or a vacuumcreated by 3324 may be communicated through tube 3325 which is connectedto male 3302 and such increase or decrease in air pressure will becommunicated to the flexible sewer hose 3312 and thus extend and/orretract hose nozzle 3314. The extend/retract module 3324 in thisembodiment is connected via tube 3323 to a solenoid valve 3322 which isconnected by tube 3321 to an air in source 3320. This air in source 3320may be, for example, an air compressor, a storage tank of compressedair, etc. The compressed air may be supplied by an on-vehicle device ormay be from an outside source, such as a compressed air connection to apump at a waste station. Compressed air, as is well known, may be usedto create a vacuum through what is called a Venturi tube. There areother approaches to creating a vacuum however, what is to be understoodis that the extend/retract module 3324 may have a variety of componentswithin it. For example, after the hose nozzle 3314 has been extended,liquid waste may be flowing through the male section 3302, the flexiblesewer hose 3312, and out the nozzle at 3314 thus the extend/retractmodule 3324 is most likely to have a valve which shuts off communicationwith tube 3325 so that such waste does not enter the extend/retractmodule 3324. In this embodiment solenoid valve 3322 is connected viawires 3331 to a pressure regulator 3330. In this way the air in at 3320may be regulated to the extend/retract module 3324. The pressureregulator 3330 may be controlled, for example, by a remote switch shownat 3332. In this way the user may by flipping a switch such as 3332 maycontrol the extension and retraction of the hose nozzle 3314.

[0068]FIG. 34 illustrates one embodiment of the invention called WasteMaster 4 (WM4). At 3402 is a male connector which may come from one ofthe valves which is connected to a waste tank, for example, a blackwater tank, or a grey water tank. That is, connection 3402 mayrepresent, for example, referring to FIG. 10 a connection such asconnecting to 1010 or 1012. Fitting 3404 is a female adapter whichconnects the male adapter 3402 to 3406 which is a rigid hose sheath therigid hose sheath is used for guiding the flexible sewer hoseillustrated at 3412. This rigid sheath 3406 may represent, for example,referring to FIG. 27 the housing 2712 which guides the flexible hose2702. This sheath may be constructed in a variety of ways. For example,in one embodiment it may be PVC tube which is large enough in diameterto accommodate the flexible sewer hose. In this embodiment there is anozzle box 3408 which houses the hose nozzle 3414 and has an optionaldoor 3410. In operation when flexible sewer hose 3412 is in a retractedstate the hose nozzle 3414 is within the nozzle box 3408. As previouslydescribed the flexible sewer hose 3412 allows the hose nozzle 3414 to beextended from the nozzle box 3408 and retracted back into the nozzle box3408. In this embodiment, the extension and retraction of the hosenozzle 3414 and flexible sewer hose 3412 is accomplished by an assistingmechanism. Connected to the male at 3402 is a tube 3425 which is incommunication with the extend/retract module 3424. In this way apressure and/or a vacuum created by 3424 may be communicated throughtube 3425 which is connected to male 3402 and such increase or decreasein air pressure will be communicated to the flexible sewer hose 3412 andthus extend and/or retract hose nozzle 3414. The extend/retract module3424 in this embodiment is connected via tube 3423 to a solenoid valve3422 which is connected by tube 3421 to an air in source 3420. This airin source 34320 may be, for example, an air compressor, a storage tankof compressed air, etc. The compressed air may be supplied by anon-vehicle device or may be from an outside source, such as a compressedair connection to a pump at a waste station. Compressed air, as is wellknown, may be used to create a vacuum through what is called a Venturitube. There are other approaches to creating a vacuum however, what isto be understood is that the extend/retract module 3424 may have avariety of components within it. For example, after the hose nozzle 3414has been extended, liquid waste may be flowing through the male section3402, the flexible sewer hose 3412, and out the nozzle at 3414 thus theextend/retract module 3424 is likely to have a valve which shuts offcommunication with tube 3425 so that such waste does not entersubstantially into the extend/retract module 3424. In this embodimentsolenoid valve 3422 is connected via wires 3431 to a receiver 3430. Inthis way the air in at 3420 may be controlled to the extend/retractmodule 3424. The receiver 3430 may be controlled, for example, by ahandheld remote shown at 3432. In this way the user may by operating thehandheld remote 3432 may control the extension and retraction of thehose nozzle 3414. The handheld remote 3432 may be at any number ofphysical locations. For example, a handheld remote such as 3432 may belocated on-board the vehicle, may be located behind an access panel nearthe nozzle, or may be mounted on the hose nozzle 3414 itself.Additionally, one or more handheld remotes are possible.

[0069]FIG. 35 illustrates one embodiment of the invention called WasteMaster 5 (WM5). At 3502 is a male connector which may come from one ofthe valves which is connected to a waste tank, for example, a blackwater tank, or a grey water tank. That is, connection 3502 mayrepresent, for example, referring to FIG. 27 a connection to 2704.Fitting 3504 is a female adapter which connects the male adapter 3502 tothe flexible sewer hose 3512 which is located inside 3506 a rigid hosesheath used for guiding the flexible sewer hose illustrated at 3412 tothe nozzle box 3508. This rigid sheath 3406 may represent, for example,referring to FIG. 27 the housing 2712 which guides the flexible hose2702. This sheath may be constructed in a variety of ways. For example,in one embodiment it may be rectangular metal box-like structure thatsupports and guides the flexible sewer hose. In this embodiment there isa nozzle box 3508 which houses the hose nozzle 3514 and has an optionaldoor 3510. In operation when flexible sewer hose 3512 is in a retractedstate the hose nozzle 3514 is within the nozzle box 3508. As previouslydescribed the flexible sewer hose 3512 allows the hose nozzle 3514 to beextended from the nozzle box 3508 and retracted back into the nozzle box3508. In this embodiment, the extension and retraction of the hosenozzle 3514 and flexible sewer hose 3512 is accomplished by a mechanism.Connected to the male at 3502 is a tube 3525 which is in communicationwith the extend/retract module 3524. In this way a pressure and/or avacuum created by 3524 may be communicated through tube 3525 which isconnected to male 3502 and such increase or decrease in air pressurewill be communicated to the flexible sewer hose 3512 and thus extendand/or retract hose nozzle 3514. The extend/retract module 3524 in thisembodiment generates the pressure/vacuum within a self contained unit.The extend/retract module 3524 is electrically controlled by electricalswitch panel 3530 through wire connections 3531 to the extend/retractmodule 3524. In one embodiment, extend/retract module 3524, may haveelectrically operated valves, an air compressor, a venturi tube, andelectronic controls.

[0070]FIG. 36 illustrates one embodiment of the invention called WasteMaster 6 (WM6). At 3602 is a conduit which may have come from one of thevalves which is connected to a waste tank, for example, a black watertank, or a grey water tank. That is, connection 3602 may represent, forexample, referring to FIG. 10 a connection to 1010 or 1012. In thisembodiment the flexible sewer hose 3612 which is located inside 3606 arigid hose sheath used for guiding the flexible sewer hose is directlyconnected to conduit 3602. In this embodiment the rigid hose sheath 3606is connected to the nozzle box 3608 but does not extend all the way tothe conduit 3602. This is may be done so that access to the conduit 3602and flexible hose 3612 joint may be easily accessible, for example, toinspect a clamp that may secure flexible hose 3612 to conduit 3602. Theflexible hose 3612 in this embodiment is shown as a corrugated type hoseextending from conduit 3602 all the way to a hose nozzle 3614. In otherembodiments conduit 3602 may extend for example partway across thevehicle before making connection to a flexible sewer hose 3612. In thisembodiment there is a nozzle box 3608 which houses the hose nozzle 3614and has an optional door 3610. In operation when flexible sewer hose3612 is in a retracted state the hose nozzle 3614 is within the nozzlebox 3608. As previously described the flexible sewer hose 3612 allowsthe hose nozzle 3614 to be extended from the nozzle box 3608 andretracted back into the nozzle box 3608. In this embodiment, theextension and retraction of the hose nozzle 3614 and flexible sewer hose3612 is accomplished by a mechanism. Connected to the conduit 3602 is atube 3625 which is in communication with the extend/retract module 3624.In this way a pressure and/or a vacuum created by 3624 may becommunicated through tube 3625 which is connected to conduit 3602 andsuch increase or decrease in air pressure will be communicated to theflexible sewer hose 3612 and thus extend and/or retract hose nozzle3614. The extend/retract module 3624 in this embodiment generates thepressure/vacuum from a tube 3623 communicating a regulated pressure frompressure regulator 3630 which receives an air source from tubes 3621communicated from air in 3620. The extend/retract module 3624 iselectrically controlled by receiver 3630 through wire connections 3631to the extend/retract module 3624. Additionally, receiver 3640 may becontrolled by a handheld remote 3642. In one embodiment, extend/retractmodule 3624, may have electrically operated valves, a venturi tube, andelectronic controls.

[0071]FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of the invention 3700 in blockschematic form. During discharge of black water 3710 and/or gray water3714, nozzle 3708 is extended from the vehicle 3701 and placed incontact with a receptacle. Extendible hose 3702 (guided by the sheath orshroud 3706) is attached to a joint 3704. 3704 has tubing 3713 connectedto it which connects to a valve 3716, tubing 3715, and then to graywater 3714. Additionally tubing 3713 is connected to a valve 3712,through tubing 3711, to the black water tank 3710. These components;black water 3710, tubing 3711, valve 3712, tubing 3713, gray water 3714,tubing 3715, and valve 3716 are generally mounted in a position above3704 or equal in elevation to 3704 so that gravity will assist in theemptying of the black water 3710 and/or the gray water 3714 throughexpandable hose 3702, through nozzle 3708 which is in contact with areceptacle.

[0072] Tubing 3725 is generally mounted above or higher in elevation (orrouted higher) than the black water 3710 and/or gray water 3714 so theblack water and/or gray water does not come in contact through tubing3725 with valve 3724 or valve 3746. In practice, tubing 3713 which isused for conveying black water 3710 or grey water 3714 through connector3704 to flexible hose 3702 will generally be larger in size than tubing3725 which is conveying either an air pressure and/or a decrease in airpressure and/or a vacuum.

[0073] Now a discussion of emptying black water 3710 or gray water 3714is disclosed. For sake of illustration, assume initially that expandablehose (or tube) 3702 attached to nozzle 3708 is in an extended positionand nozzle 3708 is in contact with a receptacle for receiving waste.Assume further that all valves (3712, 3716, 3722, 3724, 3728, 3740, and3746) are closed (or off), that is no air, vacuum, or fluids are allowedto pass through the valve. To empty black water 3710, valve 3712 wouldbe opened. Now, black water 3710 flows through tubing 3711, open valve3712, through tubing 3713, through connector 3704, through flexible tube3702, to nozzle 3708 which has its valve open, and to the receptacle.When the black water tank is empty or emptied to the extent necessary,valve 3712 is shut off. A similar mode of operation is used to empty thegray water 3714. In this case valve 3712 is off, 3746 is off, 3724 isoff (off denoting that the valve is closed so that gases and/or fluidsmay not flow through it) valve 3716 is opened and gray water 3714 flowsthrough 3715 to open valve 3716, through 3704, through flexible tubing3702, through nozzle 3708 to receptacle. Note that when valve 3746 and3724 are closed no material may flow from tube 3725 through valve 3724or 3746 to reach 3745 or 3723.

[0074] An explanation of the present invention for extending andretracting nozzle 3708 by using the flexible extendible and collapsibletubing 3702 within sheath 3706 will now be detailed. Flexible tubing3702 is fixedly attached to a joint (or connection block) 3704 at oneend and is attached to nozzle 3708 at the other end. Nozzle 3708internally has a valve which may be opened or closed by the user. Assumeinitially that the nozzle 3708 is retracted and the nozzle valve isclosed. This may be the case where, for example, the nozzle has beenstowed away within a nozzle box on the side of a vehicle. The user wouldopen an optional nozzle box door and then push an extend button. In oneembodiment of the invention pressing the extend button may create thefollowing sequence of events. Assume initially all valves (3712, 3716,3722, 3724, 3728, 3740, and 3746) are closed. Upon pressing the buttonto extend the nozzle 3708 valve 3722 would open, valve 3724 would open,and air pressure at 3720 would flow through tube 3721, open valve 3722,and to 3723, through open valve 3724, through tubing 3725, through ajoint 3704, and into the expandable hose 3702. Since nozzle 3708 has avalve which is closed the increased air pressure within tube 3702 willexpand the tube 3702 by pushing it outward by expanding theaccordion-like nature of the tube (hose) 3702. Thus air flow (airpressure) will generally follow the arrow as indicated by 3726.

[0075] Air pressure 3720 in this embodiment may be, for example, an aircompressor, which is activated at the same time the valves 3722 and 3724open. Alternatively in another embodiment, previously air pressure from3720 may have been stored in an air pressure tank 3730. This would bepossible if valves 3724 and 3740 are closed, valves 3722 and 3728 areopen, and an air compressor located at 3720 operates and sendscompressed air through 3721, open valve 3722, through tubing 3723,through open valve 3728, through 3729, and into the air pressure storagetank 3730. After sufficient air pressure had been stored, valve 3728 maybe closed so as to retain the air pressure in the storage tank 3730.

[0076] Thus another way of extending the nozzle 3708 would be to haveall valves closed except valve 3728 and valve 3724. In this case storedair pressure from tank 3730 would flow through tube 3729, open valve3728, through tubing 3723, open valve 3724, through open valve 3725,through 3704 and into flexible tubing 3702. Please note that in thiscase valve 3746 is closed so no air pressure will flow from 3725 throughthe closed valve 3746. One of skill in the art will appreciate that theair pressure supplied by 3720 and/or 3730 may be generated on-board orsupplied from an external source. For example, the air pressure storagetank 3730 in one embodiment may be the only source of air pressure. Airpressure storage tank 3730 may be filled up at, for example, a gasstation where compressed air is available. Much like filling up a tirewith air pressure the air pressure storage tank 3730 may be filled in asimilar way. In this embodiment air pressure is used to extend tubing3702 with the nozzle 3708 attached.

[0077] In the extended position a decrease in air pressure inside hose3702 compared to outside air pressure or a vacuum is created in order toretract nozzle 3708 attached to flexible tubing 3702. Conceptually ifall valves except 3746 are closed and a vacuum can be created towithdraw air as indicated by arrow 3748 then expandable hose 3702 willretract.

[0078] The creation of a vacuum is possible by using air pressure andhaving the air flow through a device called a Venturi tube 3742. Thecreation of a vacuum by using air pressure has long been known. TheVenturi tube is named after the Italian physicist G B Venturi(1746-1822).

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, a Venturi tube 3742 is usedto create a vacuum which appears at tubing 3745 and is controlled byvalve 3746. In one embodiment the creation of a vacuum is as follows;air pressure supplied from either the air pressure source 3720 and/orthe air storage tank 3730 is communicated to tubing 3723 by open valve3722 and/or 3728. Valve 3724 is closed so there is no air pressureflowing in direction indicated by 3726. With air pressure into 3723valve 3740 is opened and this pressure is communicated to Venturi tube3742 via tube 3741 and this air is exhausted out tube 3743. The Venturitube 3742 when air is flowing in the indicated direction by arrow 3744creates a vacuum in line 3745. If valve 3746 is now opened this vacuumor decrease in air pressure is communicated to 3725, through 3704,through 3702, and to the closed valve within the nozzle 3708. Theextraction of air in the general direction indicated by arrow 3748 outthrough the Venturi tube exit 3743 effectively sucks in and causes toretract the expandable hose 3702.

[0080] One of skill in the art will realize that expandable hose 3702may be extended and retracted by the use of increased air pressureentering the hose or air being evacuated (decrease air pressure) fromthe hose. When the hose is in the extended position, valves 3746 and3724 are closed, then valves 3712 and/or 3716 may be opened to transferwaste and when waste transfer has been completed the valves 3712 and3716 are closed, then valve 3746 may be opened to communicate a vacuumwhich pulls air from expandable hose 3702 in the direction indicated by3748 and retracts the nozzle 3708.

[0081] One of skill in the art will appreciate that to extend andretract the nozzle 3708 via the flexible hose 3704 by using increasedair pressure and a decrease in air pressure or a vacuum, it is necessarythat tube 3702 and nozzle 3708 form a substantially air tight (gastight) connection. That is, nozzle 3708 needs to have a valve which canbe opened to allow fluids to pass, such as when dumping waste, and aclosed position so that increased air pressure within 3702 will notescape from the nozzle, and a decrease in air pressure within 3702 isnot defeated by air leaking into nozzle 3708. Such a valve within thenozzle has been illustrated in FIG. 1 that 104 and in FIG. 2 at 204.Additionally other embodiments of such a nozzle have been illustrated inother figures of the present invention. For example, a top operatedcontrol for the valve has been illustrated in the closed position inFIG. 5 and an open position in FIG. 6. Additionally a side operatedvalve control is indicated in FIG. 28, the valve being controlled byhandle 2804.

[0082] While in practice, hose 3702 and nozzle 3708 are flushed withgray water or clear water to keep wastes inside hose 3702 to a minimum,there may be some waste present. Much like the venting tubes on theblack water and gray water tanks, it is a good idea to vent any gasesfrom decomposing waste in hose 3702 to the atmosphere. This may beaccomplished in this example embodiment by having all valves closedexcept for 3746 being open. Any gases from 3702 would then flow in thedirection indicated by arrow 3749 through tube 3725, open valve 3746,through tube 3745, through Venturi tube 3742, and through tube 3743 tothe atmosphere, for example, from tube 3743 extending to the top of thevehicle 3701. Because of the physical construction of the Venturi tubegases may flow from 3745 to 3743 through the Venturi tube even withvalve 3740 closed.

[0083]FIG. 38 illustrates one embodiment 3800 of the invention. In thisembodiment waste is entering via tube 3802 and flowing in the directionindicated by the arrow toward the valve 3804. Waste flowing from an openvalve 3804 will flow through 3806, to another valve 3810, into theextendible hose 3814, and out toward a nozzle. Shroud or sheath 3814 isused to guide the extendible hose 3814. When waste valve 3804 is closedthe mechanism shown at 3808 can create air pressure, or a decrease inair pressure or a vacuum. By creating an increase in air pressure at3808 and opening valve 3810 this increasing air pressure is communicatedto the flexible tube 3814 which will expand in length. Conversely bycreating a vacuum at 3808 and having valve 3810 open, air will beextracted from 3814 the flexible tube and it will retract into and beguided by the sheath 3814.

[0084]FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 illustrate other embodiments of the invention3900 and 4000. In FIG. 39 and in FIG. 40 different views of a mechanismfor controlling air pressure and decreased air pressure are shown.

[0085]FIG. 41 illustrates one embodiment of the invention 4100 calledService Bay Master. In this embodiment the nozzle 4102 the expandablehose 4104 may be seen in relation to other accessories as denoted bytext and arrows pointing to various items. Additionally black water,gray water, and fresh water or clear water tanks are shown. Thisassembly may be placed on the underside of a vehicle with accessavailable on the side of the vehicle. For example referring to FIG. 14the assembly indicated by 1404 may be Service Bay Master 4100.

[0086] One of skill in the art will appreciate that many otherembodiments of the invention are possible. For example, one embodimentof the invention not illustrated involves the transfer of a debit and/ora credit. This may be, for example, a charge that is associated with thedumping of waste, etc.

[0087] As previously mentioned, the extendible/retractable hose may beexpanded by air pressure and contracted by vacuum. One skilled in theart recognizes that there are a variety of methods and means forcreating air pressure and reduced air pressure, i.e. creating a vacuum.For example an air compressor, an air pump, and a fan or blower may beused for increasing air pressure. A vacuum may be created by a vacuumpump, a fan or blower exhausting from out a region, etc. Additionally,it is possible to use compressed air or air under pressure to alsocreate a vacuum. For example, a venturi, a vortex tube, an airamplifier, and a line vac can all create reduced air pressure (avacuum).

[0088] It is to be understood that references to “hose,” “sewer hose,”“collapsible,” “extendible,” “retractable,” “extendible conduit,”“bellows”, or similar terms with respect to a hose or conduit is a termreferring to a hose, tubing, or flexible hose that by its constructionallows for extension in length and a return to a smaller length thanwhen extended (contraction). Various such devices exist. For example, ahose that is corrugated may be collapsible and expandable in length. Onesuch flexible hose is disclosed by Akedo et al. in U.S. Pat. No.6,024,134 (see FIG. 5). Other hoses may also be used for this purpose.The extended or contracted state may be the default resting state. Forexample in one embodiment the hose may be naturally in a compressedstate and need forces to extend it. In another embodiment the hose maybe in an extended state and need forces to retract or compress it. Inyet another embodiment, the hose may not have any natural state, i.e. itmay need a force to extend it, at which point no additional force isneeded to maintain it at its length, however additional force may beneeded to compress or contract it, at which point no additional force isneeded to maintain it at this compressed state. One such example isaluminum exhaust tubing for a clothes dryer. These type of collapsibleand expandable in length hoses are known by various names such as, butnot limited to, corrugated, accordion, bellows type construction,convoluted, helical coil, etc. What is to be appreciated is that thehose can extend and contract in length.

[0089] It is to be understood that terms such as expandable, extendible,retractable, compressible, collapsible, and the like refer to theextension and contraction in length, rather than in diameter, of a hoseor conduit. Additionally, terms such as axially, longitudinally, and thelike refer to the length direction of a hose or conduit rather than thediameter dimension.

[0090] As used in this description, “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”or similar phrases denotes that the feature(s) being described areincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. References to “oneembodiment” in this description do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment; however, neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive.Nor does “one embodiment” imply that there is but a single embodiment ofthe invention. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in“one embodiment” may also be included in other embodiments. Thus, theinvention may include a variety of combinations and/or integrations ofthe embodiments described herein.

[0091] Use of the descriptive term “driver's side”, “passenger's side”,or the like is to be understood as being used for more convenientlydescribing the relationship of the components of the invention, ratherthan an absolute position. For example, the driver's side of the vehiclein the United States is understood to be on the left side of a vehicleif one is sitting in the vehicle. However, in the United Kingdom, thedriver's side is considered to be on the right side of the vehicle. Thuswhat is to be appreciated is that the extendable hose as described invarious embodiments of the invention is attached at one end (generallyon one side of the vehicle) and extends from the other end (generallyfrom that side or another side).

[0092] Use of the descriptive term “vehicle”, “mobile vehicle”, “RV”, orthe like is to be understood as being used for more convenientlydescribing the present invention and not as a limitation. For example,vehicle is to include, but is not limited to, buses, trucks, trailers,mobile kitchens, emergency mobile hospitals, and other mobile facilitiesthat may store waste or liquids, such as trains, planes, ships, etc.

[0093] Thus, a method and apparatus for waste evacuation have beendescribed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for transferring fluids comprisingan axially expandable and collapsible conduit fixedly attached at oneend and extendible at the other end allowing said transferring fluidsfrom said fixed end to said extendible end and wherein expansion of saidconduit is performed by an increased gas pressure applied to inside ofsaid conduit and where contraction of said conduit is performed by adecreased gas pressure applied to inside of said conduit.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluids are selected from the groupconsisting of air, water, sewage, black water, gray water, fresh water,potable water, non-potable water, water additives, fuels, oils,foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, and fertilizers.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit when in a retracted state isstored in a position allowing extension from a position selected fromthe group consisting of substantially opposite said fixedly attachedend, proximately located next to said fixedly attached end, andsubstantially 90 degrees to said fixedly attached end.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said conduit when in an extended state extends beyonda vehicle edge substantially without a shroud or tubular housing.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said increased gas pressure is from asource of compressed air.
 6. An apparatus for waste evacuation having anextendible conduit for waste transfer, a nozzle assembly having afitting attached to said extendible conduit, and a valve assembly withinsaid nozzle assembly which allows for control of said waste transferfrom said extendible conduit through said nozzle assembly.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein said valve assembly further comprises amanually operable valve.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprisinga mechanical interlock mechanism comprising a nozzle storage housing anda member attached to said manually operable valve such that when saidnozzle assembly is stored in said nozzle housing said manually operablevalve is closed.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said valve assemblyfurther comprises an electrically operable valve.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9 further comprising a remote control device for operating saidelectrically operable valve.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, furthercomprising an interlock mechanism such that when said nozzle assembly isstored in said nozzle housing said electrically operable valve isclosed.
 12. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said fitting allowsmovement of a substantial part of said nozzle assembly with respect tosaid extendible conduit.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein saidmovement is selected from the group consisting of rotation, pivoting,tilting, and such movement as allowed by a ball joint fitting.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 6, wherein said nozzle is capable of matingwith a receptacle having a receptacle fitting selected from the groupconsisting of friction fit, pressure fit, gravity fit, screw, bayonet,quick disconnect, magnetic, spring, and expandable collar.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 6 further comprising a mechanism for creating airpressure or reduced air pressure for extending and retracting saidextendible conduit.
 16. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising amechanism in communication with said extendible conduit for extendingsaid extendible conduit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 furthercomprising a remote control device for operating said mechanism.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein said mechanism for extending saidextendible conduit is selected from the group consisting of a pressurepump, a vacuum pump, means for creating air pressure, means for creatinga vacuum, a handle for a user to manually extend said extendibleconduit, a push rod, a screw, a gear, a grabbing fork, a friction wheel,and a spring.
 19. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising amechanism in communication with said extendible conduit for retractingsaid extendible conduit.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 furthercomprising a remote control device for operating said mechanism.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein said mechanism for retracting saidextendible conduit is selected from the group consisting of a pressurepump, a vacuum pump, means for creating air pressure, means for creatinga vacuum, a handle for a user to manually retract said extendibleconduit, a cable, a rope, a screw, a gear, a grabbing fork, a frictionwheel, and a spring.
 22. An apparatus for controlling a waste flow, saidapparatus comprising: a nozzle assembly having a valve; a fittingcoupled to said nozzle assembly; and an extendible hose coupled to saidfitting, such that said valve may be operated to control said waste flowfrom said extendible hose through said nozzle assembly.
 23. Theapparatus according to claim 22, wherein said fitting coupling saidnozzle assembly and said extendible hose is such that said nozzleassembly is positionable at a plurality of angles.
 24. The apparatusaccording to claim 22, wherein said nozzle is capable of mating with areceptacle having a receptacle fitting selected from the groupconsisting of friction fit, pressure fit, gravity fit, screw, bayonet,quick disconnect, magnetic, spring, and expandable collar.
 25. Anapparatus comprising: means for controlling waste flow, said means forcontrolling waste flow including a valve; and means for conveying wasteto said means for controlling waste flow, said means for conveying wasteincluding an extendible and retractable conveying means.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 25 wherein said extendible and retractable conveyingmeans further comprises an extendible and retractable hose.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 26 wherein said extendible and retractable hosefurther comprises a coloration scheme selected from the group consistingof a clear hose, a colored hose, a hose displaying a distinctive patternwhen extended, and a hose displaying a distinctive pattern whenretracted.
 28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said extendible andretractable hose further comprises means for extending said extendibleand retractable hose.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said meansfor extending said extendible and retractable hose is selected from thegroup consisting of pressure means, vacuum means, means for a user tomanually extend said extendible and retractable hose, push means, screwmeans, gear means, friction means, grabbing means, and spring means. 30.The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said extendible and retractable hosefurther comprises means for retracting said extendible and retractablehose.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said means for retractingsaid extendible and retractable hose is selected from the groupconsisting of pressure means, vacuum means, means for a user to manuallyretract said extendible and retractable hose, pull means, screw means,gear means, friction means, grabbing means, and spring means.
 32. Anapparatus comprising: a waste source having an outlet; and an extendiblehose having two ends, wherein a first end of said extendible hose isattached to said outlet and a second end of said extendible hose has acover.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein a valve is located betweenand in communication with said outlet and said first end of saidextendible hose.
 34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said cover isselected from the group consisting of a cap, a cap and bayonet assembly,a plug, a clamping device, a second valve, a nozzle, and a nozzle havinga valve.
 35. An apparatus for controlling waste flow comprising: anozzle assembly having a fitting at a first end of said nozzle assembly,a nozzle at a second end of said nozzle assembly, and a valve positionedbetween said first and second end of said nozzle assembly; and anextendible hose coupled to said fitting, such that said valve may beoperated to control said waste flow from said extendible hose throughsaid nozzle.
 36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein saidnozzle is capable of mating with a receptacle having a connection meansselected from the group consisting of friction fit, pressure fit,gravity fit, screw, bayonet, quick disconnect, magnetic, spring, andexpandable collar.
 37. A method for waste evacuation comprising:extending an extendible hose coupled to a nozzle assembly having a valveand a discharge nozzle; mating said discharge nozzle with a receptaclefor receiving waste; operating said valve to control waste evacuationflow; and when done retracting said extendible hose.
 38. The method ofclaim 37 wherein extending and retracting further comprises usingincreased air pressure to extend, and reduced air pressure to retractsaid extendible hose.
 39. The method of claim 37 further comprisingcommunicating a payment and/or credit.
 40. An apparatus for wasteevacuation comprising a flexible conduit for conveying waste wherein oneend of said flexible conduit is permanently attached and another end ofsaid flexible conduit is extendible in distance.
 41. The apparatus ofclaim 40 wherein said flexible conduit comprises one or more passagewaysfor conveying said waste.
 42. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein saidpermanently attached end is located more proximally to a source of saidwaste than said another end which is more distally located to saidsource of said waste.
 43. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said anotherend is extendible to be capable of coupling to a receptacle forreceiving said conveyed waste.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43 whereinsaid extendible end further comprises a nozzle.
 45. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein said nozzle is connected to said extendible end of saidflexible conduit to allow movement between said nozzle and said conduitselected from the group consisting of swivel, rotation, pivot, tilt, anda combination of swivel, rotation, pivot, and tilt.
 46. An apparatus forwaste evacuation comprising a flexible conduit for conveying wastewherein one end of said flexible conduit is substantially permanentlyattached and another end of said flexible conduit is extendible indistance.
 47. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said substantiallypermanently attached flexible conduit end is proximally located to avalve.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47 wherein said valve is located on aside of a vehicle opposite a driver's side of said vehicle.
 49. Theapparatus of claim 46 wherein said extendible end of said flexibleconduit extends from a side of a vehicle on a same side as a driver'sside of said vehicle.
 50. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein saidsubstantially permanently attached flexible conduit end is proximallylocated to a valve capable of controlling said waste evacuation locatedon a passenger side of a vehicle, said flexible conduit routes to adriver's side of said vehicle, and said flexible conduit is extendiblefrom said driver's side of said vehicle a distance from said driver'sside.
 51. An apparatus for waste evacuation comprising a collapsible andextendible hose, having two ends, for conveying waste wherein said firstend of said hose is in communication with a waste flow controlling valvelocated on a passenger side of a vehicle and said second end of saidhose routes substantially to a driver's side of said vehicle and iscapable of extension beyond the driver's side of said vehicle.
 52. Theapparatus of claim 51 wherein said extension beyond the driver's side ofsaid vehicle is allowed by a panel opening located on the driver's sideof said vehicle.
 53. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein said extensionbeyond the driver's side of said vehicle is allowed by a panel openinglocated on an underside of said vehicle.
 54. The apparatus of claim 51wherein said collapsible and extendible hose is extended by being incommunication with a source of increased gas pressure.
 55. The apparatusof claim 51 wherein said collapsible and extendible hose is retracted bybeing in communication with a source of decreased gas pressure.
 56. Anapparatus for waste evacuation comprising: a waste storage receptaclehaving an outlet; a flexible extendible hose having a first end and asecond end, said first end permanently proximally connected with saidoutlet; and a nozzle having an input and an output, said second endcoupled to said input.
 57. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein said outputis capable of being coupled to a second receptacle for receiving wastefrom said waste storage receptacle.
 58. The apparatus of claim 56wherein said flexible extendible hose extends from an exit point on avehicle selected from the group consisting of left side, right side,front, and rear.
 59. The apparatus of claim 56 wherein said flexibleextendible hose extends from underneath a vehicle.
 60. The apparatus ofclaim 56 further comprising a drop door behind which is located saidhose.
 61. The apparatus of claim 60 further comprising controls forautomatically extending and retracting said flexible extendible hose.62. The apparatus of claim 56 further comprising a remote control forextending and retracting said flexible extendible hose.
 63. A method fortransferring waste comprising: operating a second control to extend ahose; placing said hose in a drain; operating a third control to allowwaste to flow through said hose into said drain; removing said hose fromsaid drain; and operating a fourth control to retract said hose.
 64. Themethod of claim 63 further comprising operating a first control to opena door before said operating second control; and operating a fifthcontrol to close said door after said operating fourth control.
 65. Themethod of claim 63 wherein said placing said hose into a drain furthercomprises placing a nozzle connected to said hose into said drain. 66.The method of claim 63 wherein said operating is controlled by a remotecontrol.
 67. A method for transferring waste comprising: attaching oneend of a collapsible and extendible in length hose permanently to asource of waste; extending the other end of said collapsible andextendible in length hose; placing said extended end of said collapsibleand extendible in length hose in contact with a receptacle; opening avalve to allow waste to flow through said collapsible and extendible inlength hose into said receptacle; removing said collapsible andextendible in length hose from contact with said receptacle; andretracting said collapsible and extendible in length hose.
 68. Anapparatus comprising; a collapsible and extendible in length sewer hosehaving a first end connected at all times, and a storage tube forhousing said collapsible and extendible in length sewer hose.
 69. Themethod of claim 68 wherein said collapsible and extendible in lengthsewer hose has a second end which is extendible from said storage tube.70. The apparatus of claim 69 wherein a valve is located proximate tosaid first end.
 71. The apparatus of claim 70 wherein a second valve islocated proximate to said second end
 72. The apparatus of claim 70wherein said collapsible and extendible in length sewer hose may benon-manually extended from said storage tube.
 73. The apparatus of claim70 wherein said collapsible and extendible in length sewer hose may benon-manually retracted into said storage tube.